LOCKPORT - To keep advancing in the Class 4A state tournament, Naperville Central was going to have to win a game like this.
After scoring 33 runs during its two regional victories, the Redhawks advanced to the sectional final with an efficient 6-2 victory over host Lockport.
Pat Kaminska threw a complete game to lead No. 7 Central (23-14) into Saturday morning's championship game against No. 16 Providence Catholic (21-15). The senior right-hander allowed just six hits while striking out nine.
A 2-2 game turned in the sixth inning. Marc Mantucca and Bobby Czarnowski hit back-to-back singles to right. Kaminska then smashed a ball deep into the hole that Lockport shortstop Rick Guth knocked down but could not immediately locate in the outfield grass.
Pinch-runner Ryan Burton sprinted from second to score the go-ahead run. Anthony Lopez next bounced an RBI single into right that made it 4-2.
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